Citizens Voice Concerns Over Congress’ Past Approach Towards Maharashtra

The historical and political relationship between Maharashtra and the national leadership in Delhi has often been described as complex, with periods of tension. From the eras of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, to prominent modern leaders like Yashwantrao Chavan and Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra has had a distinct position within the national framework, often feeling a sense of disconnect from Delhi’s central authority.

Over time, there has been a perception that the national leadership has attempted to maintain control over Maharashtra’s leadership, influencing decisions at various levels.

Maharashtra has given India influential thinkers such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Shahu Maharaj, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. These leaders contributed significantly to India’s social and ideological development. However, when their visions didn’t align with Congress’s dominant ideology, their contributions were often sidelined by the party’s approach to governance. Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy is a prominent example.

Controversy Around Nehru’s Writings on Shivaji Maharaj
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, one of India’s most notable prime ministers, is known for his extensive work, Discovery of India. However, his portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a “misguided patriot” sparked discontent in Maharashtra. To mitigate the growing unrest, Nehru supported initiatives, such as the installation of a statue of Shivaji Maharaj, with leaders like Yashwantrao Chavan helping to manage the situation.

Ambedkar and Savarkar: Figures of Debate
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the principal architect of India’s constitution, faced challenges in elections due to political opposition, including from Congress. Similarly, Swatantryaveer Savarkar, a key figure in Indian independence, often found himself at odds with Congress’s ideological stance, leading to criticism from within the party.

Maharashtra’s rich ideological heritage has at times posed challenges for Congress, which has sought to balance its broader political framework with the state’s unique legacy.

Challenges to Maharashtra’s Symbols
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a symbol of pride in Maharashtra, and incidents like the removal of his statue in certain states have generated widespread concern. The Congress party’s silence on such matters has often been criticized, with some suggesting that the party has failed to defend Maharashtra’s heritage adequately.

Local Political Figures and Controversies
Despite being a neighboring state, Maharashtra has also witnessed its share of controversies involving Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. A former chief minister once sparked a debate by suggesting that Nehru was greater than Shivaji Maharaj, a sentiment echoed by several Congress leaders. Figures from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), such as Jitendra Awhad, who has a background in Congress, have made contentious remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s descendants, including Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje.

When Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati advocated for the removal of encroachments on Vishalgad fort, Awhad reportedly sided with the encroachers and questioned the legitimacy of Sambhaji Raje. He controversially suggested that “Sambhaji Raje’s blood should be tested” and made provocative statements questioning the importance of historical figures like Aurangzeb and Afzal Khan in establishing Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.

Currently, encroachments on forts historically associated with Shivaji Maharaj have been on the rise, with certain political leaders, particularly those aligned with the Maha Vikas Aghadi, facing criticism for not taking stronger action against such activities. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the Waqf Board’s claims over lands of historical significance, with accusations that Congress and its allies are not addressing the issue robustly.

Sharad Pawar’s Approach to Maharashtra’s Legacy
Sharad Pawar, leader of the NCP, has occasionally been viewed as distant from the Shivaji legacy. His remarks about Raigad and other historical landmarks have drawn criticism from certain sections, who feel that his approach does not align with the reverence held for Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra.

Cultural Representations and Political Alignments
In modern culture and media, portrayals of Shivaji Maharaj have become a subject of debate. Some individuals, including actors and historians, have been criticized for their interpretations of historical events, leading to controversy about how Maharashtra’s legacy is represented.

Shifting Political Alliances
Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy as a strong leader for Hindus is widely recognized, but recent political developments involving his son, Uddhav Thackeray, and alliances with Congress have raised questions about continuity in ideology. Comments made by party leaders regarding historical figures like Aurangzeb have added to the complexity of the political landscape.

Shivaji Maharaj’s Legacy and Political Challenges
Congress has faced criticism for not fully embracing the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. From opposing certain initiatives to controversies surrounding historical monuments, the party’s actions have been viewed as inconsistent with Maharashtra’s historical pride.

Looking Ahead
As Maharashtra continues to balance its rich historical legacy with modern political challenges, the state’s electorate will ultimately decide how these issues play out on the political stage. Maintaining the integrity of Maharashtra’s symbols and ideologies remains a key concern for many.

Source: https://www.oneindia.com/mumbai/congress-tradition-of-contempt-for-maharashtra-is-old-say-citizens-3934287.html